Monday 16 September 1940

Monday 16 September 1940

Göring in conference following the previous day’s losses. German effort to be switched against Fighter Command. Only minor air activity.

Night: Continuous attacks against London. Smaller raids on Merseyside and the Midlands.

Weather: General rain and cloud.

Main Activity:

During the 16th the weather precluded any heavy attacks and from the few small raids which penetrated to east London, nine German aircraft were shot down for the loss of one RAF pilot. The dull weather was lightened for both sides by the solemn announcement in the German war communiqué that Göring himself had flown over London in a Ju 88. Apart from lacking the courage for such an enterprise, it was a physical impossibility, as the Reichsmarschall’s girth precluded him getting through the door of a Ju 88, and even in the four-motor Condor he had to have a special wide seat with thigh supports.